As global attention focuses on e-commerce competition, a financial standoff between Amazon and Twitter reveals deeper industry tensions.
Twitter and Amazon's Billing Dispute: Musk's Cost-Cutting Under Scrutiny
Amazon has suspended payment for its Twitter advertisements totaling $70 million, citing unpaid cloud service bills from the social media platform, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move exacerbates Twitter's financial challenges under Elon Musk's leadership, which has included mass layoffs and benefit reductions. The payment dispute highlights growing tensions between tech giants over cost management strategies.
Square Enix Leadership Shakeup: New President to Navigate Gaming Industry Shifts
Japanese gaming powerhouse Square Enix announced that current president Yosuke Matsuda will step down, with China division head Takashi Kiryu assuming leadership pending June shareholder approval. The company stated the change aims to adapt to rapid industry evolution while maximizing creativity. Matsuda's decade-long tenure saw successes like Final Fantasy XIV but also underperforming titles including Marvel's Avengers, leading to the sale of Crystal Dynamics and other western studios to Embracer Group last year.
Temu Accelerates Global Expansion: Australia and New Zealand Next Targets
Pinduoduo's cross-border e-commerce platform Temu continues its aggressive international rollout, preparing for March 13 launches in Australia and New Zealand following North American success. Having already surpassed SHEIN in US package volume according to reports, Temu now eyes European markets while working toward surpassing SHEIN's North American GMV by September 1.
Twitter to Introduce Encrypted Direct Messages
Elon Musk announced Twitter will launch encrypted private messaging later this month, allowing reaction emojis and secure replies. The privacy-focused feature represents Twitter's latest effort to enhance platform security and attract privacy-conscious users.
Lazada Invests in Philippine Logistics Network
Southeast Asian e-commerce leader Lazada plans to establish hundreds of new distribution centers across the Philippines to improve delivery speeds and customer experience. CEO Carlos Barrera emphasized significant investments in logistics infrastructure to support faster deliveries.
SHEIN Launches $3.5B Smart Industrial Park in China
The fast-fashion giant has initiated construction on its Western Greater Bay Area Smart Industrial Park in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, featuring automated sorting centers and on-demand production facilities. The 35 billion yuan project represents SHEIN's largest investment in supply chain optimization to date, enhancing its agile production model.